Belinda Point

One of the most puptastic things to do with your fur buddy is to go on a coastal hike. If you're near Fort Bragg, check out the Belinda Point Trail. Your four-legged friend will love it. There's a free parking lot at the trailhead on Ocean Drive.

This is a really invigorating trail which brings you almost to the ocean shore. You'll need to keep your pup leashed, not just because of state law, but because the trail is close to the cliff edge and there can be strong blustery winds at times which could blow them over. The views of the coastline are incredible. Think rugged cliffs covered with Eucalyptus forests and the waves of the Pacific crashing against the rocks. Paw-some.

The Belinda Point trail isn't a long one, but you might still like to take some water along for your pup in case you decide to stay a while. There are no trash receptacles anywhere along the trail, so you'll have to pack out any used clean up bags. There are trash containers in the parking lot.

The first part of the trail is forested, and then the rest is open to the elements. Once you get to the end, the edge of the bluff is a great place for sitting and watching the seabirds swoop and circle overhead. Better still if you take some binoculars with you. Your pup will be happy to keep you company no matter how long you decide to stay. The sea air really blows all of those being-indoors-too-much blues away. At the bluff edge, you'll also find a set of around fifty steps which lead down to a small cove and a rocky beach. The stairs are well-constructed and don't have an overly steep gradient, which is good news, as it makes coming back up again easily manageable for both pup and pet parent. Enjoy the furrific sea air!